Age-Related Macular Degeneration is one of the most common eye health issues we face today in Canada. AMD is caused by the degeneration of the macula, which is the part of the eye which provides central vision. As the name implies, this condition is also accelerated due to aging, making it much more common for seniors.
Comprehensive eye exams performed at regular intervals as determined by your optometrist, are the best way to combat macular degeneration.
By nature, AMD is asymptomatic in early in its development; this means that the symptoms or effects of this condition may not be obvious to the affected person until the condition has fully culminated and has likely become more difficult to treat.
At Vivid Eye Care, we recommend that all of our senior clients (age 65+) undergo annual eye exams to ensure that AMD or any other eye health conditions are detected and treated as early as possible.
We recommend children and adults to undergo eye exams as frequently as their optometrist deems necessary – which can be as often as every 6 months to every 2 years – based on the overall health of their eyes.
Aging, ethnicity, and gender all play a part but there is no specific or definitive cause(s) for AMD. However, research has found that those who are more at risk often have other conditions, which include:
While the symptoms of AMD often develop very slowly and gradually over time, they can result in severe vision impairment if not treated effectively and early on. Common symptoms include: